Is there a formula in Arkansas?
Temporary support estimator
Types of spousal support
What support is—and isn’t
Ways to structure payments
FAQs
There is no official Arkansas alimony calculator. Most couples settle spousal support by agreement after sharing budgets and income docs, often with help from mediation or limited-scope attorneys. If you cannot agree and your case goes to court, a judge may decide support based on need, ability to pay, length of the marriage, health, work history, and the overall fairness of the outcome.
If a state-approved calculator is ever adopted, we’ll add a trusted link here. For now, there is no official Arkansas formula to link to.
While Arkansas does not require a formula, many families use a simple benchmark to start negotiations during the case.
Temporary estimate = 40% of the higher earner’s net monthly income minus 50% of the lower earner’s net monthly income.
Example: One spouse nets 6,000 per month and the other nets 3,000 per month. Forty percent of 6,000 is 2,400. Fifty percent of 3,000 is 1,500. The difference is 900 per month as a starting point for discussion.
This is not law. It is a conversation tool to keep talks productive while you gather documents and explore longer-term options. Adjust for child support, health insurance, unusual debts, or short-term needs.
Temporary support (during the case)
Short-term payments to stabilize bills and reduce conflict while you work toward a final agreement.
Transitional or rehabilitative support
Time-limited support to help a spouse reenter the workforce, complete training, or make a realistic pivot. Often paired with a plan and a review date.
Longer-term support
Less common, but possible by agreement in longer marriages with a sizable income gap or health limitations. Parties often add step-downs or an end date to reduce future friction.
Lump-sum or buyout support
A one-time payment or a defined series of payments that replaces monthly alimony in exchange for certainty and fewer touchpoints.
Spousal support is designed to smooth the financial transition from one household to two. It helps cover reasonable living costs while a spouse rebuilds earning capacity or adjusts to a sustainable budget. It is not meant to punish anyone, duplicate child support, or fund luxury spending that neither spouse can sustain alone. The best agreements tie support to a practical plan: resume updates, job search milestones, credentialing, or a timeline to sell or refinance a home.
Tax note: For most divorces finalized after 2018, spousal support is not deductible to the payer and not taxable to the recipient under federal law. Check with a tax professional about your specific situation and any state nuances.
You are not limited to a monthly check. Many couples prefer alternatives that reduce friction and risk.
You can work with Hello Divorce experts to help you calculate support options, and once a decision is made, Hello Divorce can prepare all your Arkansas divorce forms for you with our divorce plans. We’ll make sure your spousal support terms are written clearly so they are enforceable and easy to live with.
Is there a calculator for Arkansas alimony?
No official calculator. Most couples negotiate a number using budgets, income, and a short-term estimator for guidance.
How long does spousal support last?
Whatever you agree to. Many plans run for a set term with step-downs or a review date. Longer-term support is less common but possible by agreement.
Can we do a buyout instead of monthly payments?
Yes. A lump-sum or partial buyout can replace monthly alimony and simplify life, especially if you want a clean break.
Can support be modified later?
You can build modifiability or non-modifiability into your agreement. Many couples allow changes for major, documented shifts in income or health, and bar changes for routine ups and downs.
How does child support interact with alimony?
Child support comes first. Consider child support, health insurance, and major kid expenses before finalizing alimony so the combined plan fits both budgets.
What documents should we exchange to set a fair number?
Recent pay stubs, two years of tax returns, a simple monthly budget, health insurance costs, debt minimums, and any enrollment or tuition info for training or credentialing.